Guide To Gastric Ulcers In Horses

By Author: Abler
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Ulcers can develop in the upper squamous or lower glandular regions of the stomach in horses. The two types of gastric ulcers that occur in these parts of horses are treated differently. You will learn about both types of gastric ulcers in this article

What is Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS)?
Equine gastric ulcer syndrome is the inflammation of the stomach lining of horses. Common symptoms of gastric ulcers in horses are weight loss and behavioral changes.

Difference between Squamous gastric ulcers and Glandular gastric ulcers in horses

Squamous gastric ulcers
Equine squamous gastric ulcers affect the upper portion of the equine stomach or upper third of the horse's stomach. The ulcers occur when the mucosal lining becomes damaged by bacteria, parasites, or stomach acid. This ulcer mainly occurs due to rigorous exercise, frequent travel, and intermittent feeding. The symptoms of squamous gastric ulcers in horses are loss of appetite, weight loss, changes in hair coat, poor behavior, underperformance, and wood chewing.

Glandular gastric ulcers
Glandular ...
... gastric ulcers occur less frequently than squamous gastric ulcers. When a glandular ulcer occurs in horses, the strength of the mucosal lining worsens. This leads to the development of inflammations and lesions(ulcers). Researchers have not yet confirmed what causes the breakdown, however, a high dosage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as “ bute” may reduce the blood supply to the lining. Causes for glandular gastric ulcers include feeding unprocessed grain, infrequently fed a complete diet, and intense exercise.

Treating Gastric Ulcers
Glandular ulcers are healed with omeprazole and sucralfate while squamous can be treated with just omeprazole.

Omeprazole is the active ingredient to treat gastric ulcers. It suppresses the production of gastric acid. It gives the tissue time to heal and prompts the horse to eat.

Sucralfate is used to treat and prevent ulcers of the stomach. This medicine forms a coating over ulcers, protecting the area from further injury. By this, ulcers can heal more quickly.

Focusing on the health of your horse and maintaining good management will allow you to keep your horse in good shape. To get the best treatment for all types of gastric ulcers, shop equine ulcer medication online from Abler.com. Abler provides highly effective medicines for horses at affordable prices. Shop ulcer products for horses in granules form that are easy to measure and easy to feed to horses.